True Loft Living in Chinatown

Own a penthouse in the historic Hawaii Times Building.

By Melissa Chang

Published: 2014.04.10 11:10 AM

Is that a cruise ship in the bedroom or are you just enjoying the harbor view? This is just one of the lines you can use in this unique property.

There are a lot of cool spaces to live and work in Chinatown, but this is probably the first time I’ve ever seen such a property available for sale. Yes, the mythical, urban-chic, semi-industrial loft space really does exist.

This new listing is the penthouse suite of the historic Hawaii Times Building on Nuuanu Avenue, and is the former office/residence of local architect Norman Lacayo. Zoned BMX-4 (central business, mixed use), the property has 2,177 square feet of living area and a 135-square-foot lanai, so you could make it all business, all residential or both.

The Hawaii Times building was built in 1897, but this unit was renovated in 2007 to give it modern touches. Of course, since it belonged to an architect, you get to keep his (and the building’s) stylish touches, including the 12-foot vaulted ceilings, track lighting and an open, multi-level floor plan. Technically, this has two bedrooms and one full bathroom with a tub. There’s also a full kitchen, central and split air conditioning, a rooftop observation deck, and a lanai overlooking Honolulu Harbor.

If you work downtown or have clients in the area, you can walk everywhere. It’s also close to all the hip Chinatown stores, restaurants and events—and don’t worry about the St. Patrick’s Day craziness, as that's required to shut down by 10 p.m.

This penthouse will be open this Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Click here for more details.

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About Our Writer

Rachel Ross is a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawai‘i Realty. Raised in Hawai‘i Kai, she previously worked in public relations and marketing where she assisted some of O‘ahu’s biggest community developers, educators and businesses. She loves connecting people and says that real estate is a form of matchmaking. She is mom to three teenagers and an avid runner, and notes that the hour each day of pavement-pounding is the only teen-angst-free peace and quiet she gets all day. rachelr@bhhshawaii.com